TTT: Ten Books to Read if You Like Female Sleuths (Nancy Drew)

This week’s prompt is “Ten Books To Read If You Like This Super Popular Book/Author.” I’m going back to my roots this week at Hidden Staircase – that’s right, Nancy Drew. Girl detectives. Female sleuths. Women solving mysteries. However you like to phrase it, she’s a leading lady with brains, spunk, and a sense of justice.

In the spirit of keeping things fresh, I will do my best to list books that don’t frequently appear in my TTT lists.

Nancy Drew #2.

Ten Books to Read if you Like Nancy Drew (Girl Detectives)

Nancy Drew mysteries feature a strong, independent female lead who has a knack for stumbling upon a mystery that she can’t resist. She’s got two best friends to back her up, and love interest Ned is always waiting in the wings.

These are cozy mysteries, perfect for reading in a comfy chair, snuggled in a blanket while drinking a mug of hot chocolate. At least, that’s what works for me.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read this mystery. What I got was a lot of laughs, and even a tear or two at the end.
Sleuth: Isabel Spellman
Faithful sidekick: Petra Clark
Potential love interest: Daniel Castillo

Roxy Parker is a ghostwriter who has a knack for stumbling upon a mystery. (…and the kindle edition is free right now!)
Sleuth: Roxy Parker
Faithful sidekick: Oliver Horowitz
Potential love interest: Max Farrell

What’s not to love about these books? Set in 1950’s England, Flavia de Luce has a passion for poisons. And sleuthing.
Sleuth: Flavia de Luce
Faithful sidekicks: Dogger & her faithful bicycle Gladys
Potential love interest: None. She’s eleven.

Fun mysteries, especially if you enjoy learning about US history or wine making. (Another book bargain, the Kindle edition is $1.99)
Sleuth: Lucie Montgomery
Faithful sidekick: [it’s been a while since I’ve read these, and I can’t remember!]
Potential Love interest: Quinn Santori

This series takes place in the small town of Moosetookalook, Maine. I don’t know if I’d live there; they seem to have a high murder rate. Like Murder She Wrote‘s Cabot Cove.
Sleuth: Liss MacCrimmon
Faithful sidekicks: Sherri & cat Lumpkin
Love interest: Dan Ruskin

In this fun series you’re learning a lot about coffee and food. The author even includes recipes for dishes cooked in the story at the end of the book.
Sleuth: Clare Cosi
Faithful sidekick: ex-husband Matteo
Love interest: Mike

Bonus Sleuths

I tried to keep my top ten to books I don’t typically mention in my top ten lists. With that being said, I would be remiss if I did not mention these two ladies.

I love the Her Royal Spyness series! I’d also recommend the Daisy Dalrymple books by Carola Dunn. They’re a tad more serious but have a similar premise – poor aristocratic girl trying to earn a living in the 1920s-30s.

Awesome list! I loved Nancy Drew and I enjoy several of these that you have listed – Royal Spyness, Due or Die, and Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie are all books I’ve really enjoyed. I’m really wanting to try the Cleo Coyle series and The Merlot Murders.

Yes! Nancy Drew was my favorite thing when I was a kid. I read (and reread) every one.
However, I haven’t read any of these except for “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.” So thanks for the recommendations 🙂 (I think – my TBR pile is swelling after reading this week’s TTT’s!)

The more I hear about this library mystery series the more I think I need to read it. A librarian named Lindsey (close enough) — who has a PUPPY?! It’s meant to be! I’ve also seen those Cleo Coyle books floating around and thought they looked interesting. Now that I know you enjoy them, maybe I’ll give the first one a try!